Advent

Today marks the start of Advent the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas. As Christmas is on a Monday this year, it will be the shortest advent possible. The Advent wreath started in Germany and has become popular around the world. Traditionally the wreath has 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle often with a large white candle put in the middle, called the Christ candle. Each week a new candle is lit and addition to all candles already lit. Week one is 1 purple candle. Week 2 is 2 purple candles. Week 3 is 2 purple candles and one pink candle. And week 4 is all 4 candles. On Christmas the white candle is lit. In some families and churches there are 4 purple candles, or 4 white candles, or a blue candle instead of the pink candle is used. And the pink or blue candle may be lit last.

For advent prayers click here.
For Protestant advent info, click here.
For a short history of Advent in the Catholic Church, click here.